tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3357194424905253251.post689255648363768733..comments2024-03-15T02:16:20.502-07:00Comments on Jim's Bionic Knee: Tips for ACI PatientsJimhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07440820306344885545noreply@blogger.comBlogger30125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3357194424905253251.post-47508888389357388692016-11-13T15:23:43.956-08:002016-11-13T15:23:43.956-08:00Hi, thanks for this blog. I am almost 4-weeks post...Hi, thanks for this blog. I am almost 4-weeks post ACI for a proximal trochlea lesion. I am wondering if anyone with trochlea lesions experienced some catching during cpm and how they managed it. It's not painful, just annoying - I have to gently wiggle my knee back and ease my patella over the spot. I am currently trying to avoid the angle where the catching occurs, so I do cpm above and below the lesion. jessicahttps://www.blogger.com/profile/06486521440256953515noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3357194424905253251.post-90215419280876979362016-06-02T15:46:13.385-07:002016-06-02T15:46:13.385-07:00hi Jim. I am due to have the surgery in a month do...hi Jim. I am due to have the surgery in a month down here in Houston.Do you have an email address that I can email you directly with some questions? Mine is the dearthman40@yahoo.com. Thanks. David E.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3357194424905253251.post-4757271591584612002015-12-26T07:31:24.152-08:002015-12-26T07:31:24.152-08:00Mary, so glad to hear that you're progressing....Mary, so glad to hear that you're progressing. Baby steps. Happy holidays. Jimhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/07440820306344885545noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3357194424905253251.post-16742384175833867382015-12-17T20:43:31.913-08:002015-12-17T20:43:31.913-08:00Jim, I'm at 7 weeks and feeling good able to w...Jim, I'm at 7 weeks and feeling good able to walk with bending. I feel some catching and still have fluid but the doctor says that's normal. I am of course paranoid. I did a leg lift finally at week 6 but my patellER tendon is inflamed and sore. He said it's because he sliced it to flip my.knee cap up. Thanks doc. Going back to work in 2 weeks. Little bit at a time!. <br /><br />Maryscaryhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/06278514421669951541noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3357194424905253251.post-2533051725379856142015-11-30T18:48:15.235-08:002015-11-30T18:48:15.235-08:00Hi Mary. Thanks for sharing. Yup, definitely a m...Hi Mary. Thanks for sharing. Yup, definitely a marathon, not a sprint. But take pleasure in those initial, seemingly innocuous improvements, like no clicking. Keep me updated. <br /><br />JimJimhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/07440820306344885545noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3357194424905253251.post-571991189148272782015-11-27T23:24:09.720-08:002015-11-27T23:24:09.720-08:00Hi jim I am 4 weeks post op from my ACI and I'...Hi jim I am 4 weeks post op from my ACI and I'm at the bored miserable CPM and PT all day long phase. I see little improvements and I rode the bike 5 mins on no resistance and had no clicking behind my kneecap for the first time in ten years. It's nice to read your blog. <br /><br />Maryscaryhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/06278514421669951541noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3357194424905253251.post-42820966145912838112015-11-27T23:23:24.957-08:002015-11-27T23:23:24.957-08:00This comment has been removed by the author.scaryhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/06278514421669951541noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3357194424905253251.post-32897918559163572712015-07-15T19:57:45.355-07:002015-07-15T19:57:45.355-07:00Hi John. When is your son's surgery? Which s...Hi John. When is your son's surgery? Which surgeon and city? As a parent, I emphasize seeing your child agonize. It sucks. The first few weeks are the hardest. By far. And then it slowly improves. Keep him focused on the recovery. He's young and sounds like he's an athlete, which means the odds favor a full recovery. Keep me posted.<br /><br />JimJimhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/07440820306344885545noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3357194424905253251.post-61789329218412563402015-06-28T22:11:26.422-07:002015-06-28T22:11:26.422-07:00My son who is 17 will be getting aci with osteo. I...My son who is 17 will be getting aci with osteo. In a few weeks. We are both a mess. I'm physically ill at the thought of the pain he will be in and have a concern with addiction from the comments I read from adults needing meds<br />For such a long time. He's a great kid that was headed for the all star baseball game and he's crushed -- he's going to be a junior and is afraid he might not mentally be able to handle the isolation ( his friends are playing ball and since he's not there he's out of the loop) and the pain. Any support would be appreciated!John ahttps://www.blogger.com/profile/03313155163737302797noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3357194424905253251.post-47065186509796326132015-02-22T21:37:45.704-08:002015-02-22T21:37:45.704-08:00Hi Ms. K. I don't recall if one was available...Hi Ms. K. I don't recall if one was available when had my aci surgery, but definitely a no brainer. Like icebpack on steroids. I used one for later surgeries. Good luckJimhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/07440820306344885545noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3357194424905253251.post-90192762428530604852015-02-22T21:36:37.343-08:002015-02-22T21:36:37.343-08:00Hi Ms. K. I don't recall if one was available...Hi Ms. K. I don't recall if one was available when had my aci surgery, but definitely a no brainer. Like icebpack on steroids. I used one for later surgeries. Good luckJimhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/07440820306344885545noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3357194424905253251.post-47489421129950923732015-02-22T00:35:37.386-08:002015-02-22T00:35:37.386-08:00Hi there Jim. My husband and I have been reading y...Hi there Jim. My husband and I have been reading your blog in hopes of getting as much patient insight before his ACI in a couple of weeks. We haven't see any mention of a cryo cuff. Did you use just regular ice packs or did you have a cryo cooler? His OS mentioned that he may benefit more with the cryo cuff the with just ice packs.Ms. Khttps://www.blogger.com/profile/00286401085364506864noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3357194424905253251.post-89773461937729610552015-01-31T06:41:35.268-08:002015-01-31T06:41:35.268-08:00Leonette - Glad you're thru the roughest part....Leonette - Glad you're thru the roughest part. Yes, there is a light at the end of the tunnel, even for RoboCops! Hang in there. It's a long process, but it sounds like you've got a great support system.<br /><br />Gilbert - Obviously, the best and really the only way to confirm is via an MRI. I don't think your graft "failed," or you'd probably be in much worse shape than some swelling and crackling. The popping likely could be some scar tissue breaking apart, which happens for a long time after surgery. Ice remains your best friend, even years later. While 10 months seems like a long time, the graft continues to strengthen/harden, at least mine did. Of course, I had my surgery several years before yours, so you've got the benefit of enhanced medicine/technology. Best of luck.Jimhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/07440820306344885545noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3357194424905253251.post-83975816082391496612015-01-29T19:15:59.811-08:002015-01-29T19:15:59.811-08:00I need all you guys input on my current condition....I need all you guys input on my current condition.I had aci surgery 10 months ago and worked hard in rehab. A month<br />Ago i was already running a 7.5 on the treadmill and was playing basketball at 80% strength..however 2 days ago, i ran for 3 miles and suddenly my knee swelled up and has been locking and popping. Im nervous and anxious on what happened.Did my graft slip? Or was it only scar tissue wiggling around.its been 3 days and it is still swollen..Anonymoushttps://www.blogger.com/profile/13044526727217302008noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3357194424905253251.post-36055239488658107862015-01-28T17:28:22.658-08:002015-01-28T17:28:22.658-08:00I hope everything is going well. I am now 8 days p...I hope everything is going well. I am now 8 days post-op ACI surgery. I have to say I cried like baby the first day. For those who have said they had virtually no pain, bless you, baby, bless you. My pain was awful. I blacked out twice. I fell the first night because I blacked out. I thank God today is a better day. The crutches are something to get use to, but this brace is has become my new best friend. My husband and my brother calls me Robocop, and robot chicken. It's the humor that keeps me going and knowing that this process is only for a while. I know it will be greater later. Thank you, Jim, for all of your posts. I'm looking forward to hearing from you soon.Leonette MarSha!https://www.blogger.com/profile/04392423745845216194noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3357194424905253251.post-50474342703113328812015-01-03T19:33:42.582-08:002015-01-03T19:33:42.582-08:00My surgeon is Dr. Massey. He's from Philadelph...My surgeon is Dr. Massey. He's from Philadelphia. I'm in Shreveport, Louisiana. He's been here since August of 2014 and the only surgeon in this region qualified to perform the ACI. I'm nervous, but I am ready. Thank you.Leonette MarSha!https://www.blogger.com/profile/04392423745845216194noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3357194424905253251.post-21789092962232602962015-01-03T19:03:37.014-08:002015-01-03T19:03:37.014-08:00Hi Leonette. Who's doing your surgery? Best ...Hi Leonette. Who's doing your surgery? Best of luck with the recovery!Jimhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/07440820306344885545noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3357194424905253251.post-83869622245386755002015-01-01T15:21:15.119-08:002015-01-01T15:21:15.119-08:00Happy New Year!! I was reading about what I should...Happy New Year!! I was reading about what I should expect for my upcoming ACI, and I came across your blog. I've read and reread your advice, and I have to say, it makes me feel better. I have had numerous surgeries over the years, but I don't think any will come close to this one. Ive had the arthroscope done on 11/13/2014. My doctor was hoping to do the ACI before the first of the year, but I was told by my doctor that my cells at Carticel were growing at a very slow rate. My surgery has been scheduled for 01/12/2015. Leonette MarSha!https://www.blogger.com/profile/04392423745845216194noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3357194424905253251.post-20841019301739229492014-03-03T16:14:36.791-08:002014-03-03T16:14:36.791-08:00Glad it helped, Kayla. Best of luck with the reco...Glad it helped, Kayla. Best of luck with the recover(-ies)!<br /><br />JimJimhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/07440820306344885545noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3357194424905253251.post-89570720265284198422014-03-02T21:04:25.287-08:002014-03-02T21:04:25.287-08:00Hi! Thanks so much for this blog. It helped me a ...Hi! Thanks so much for this blog. It helped me a ton-especially prior to surgery, but also nice to read to compare to my own experience as I go through rehab. I have had two ACI surgeries, 6 months apart, with osteotomies as well. I am 2 months out from my second knee surgery which was Dec 26, 2013. I have done very well with minimal problems with the ACI surgeries. Prior to surgeries, I thought I might be disabled forever! Very thankful for the surgeons who are peioneering this procedure! I wrote about my progress at kneeguru.com under name Ozzie!kaylahttps://www.blogger.com/profile/09350771677619158857noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3357194424905253251.post-14935114360421619812012-06-04T14:02:24.486-07:002012-06-04T14:02:24.486-07:00Hi. I am 1 week post op - stage 2 ACI, tibial Tub...Hi. I am 1 week post op - stage 2 ACI, tibial Tuberocity transfer and lateral release. I had 24 staples and 2 screws put in my leg. I was in hospital for 3 days. My pain has never really been under control. If I do get to sleep at night I wake up very soon after, usually when my leg falls off the pillow and I forget I have a brace on and try to move my leg and use my quads. The pain is unreal. I read this blog before I went in for the op and it gave me great hope and a lot of laughs. And now i am post op it is all so true. Spot on with the losing your dignity thing. My mum has been helping me in and out of the shower and I can't even tie my own shoes. It's comforting to know that there are many others out there in the same boat. My husband is a physiotherapist so I'm lucky in that respect and he bought me a cryocuff which has been amazing. I'm at jenniferstocker@gmail.com if anyone wants to get in touch.Jenhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/04923814220124378332noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3357194424905253251.post-4820819176090089272012-02-01T02:43:38.066-08:002012-02-01T02:43:38.066-08:00I am just 3 weeks out from my ACI & high tibia...I am just 3 weeks out from my ACI & high tibial osteonomy. WOW pain free from day 1 ! I will say though I have more pressure in my knee than pain (unless my lovely doc decides he should press on the areas he put patches on then its an amazing feeling) my tibia is what is really bothering me at times. Less now but in the beginning holy cow I swear I felt all 3 of those screws in my leg. I was moving my leg once day maybe 6 days out & inadvertantly tried to use my tibia area to move my leg it was excrutiating. The cryo cuff however is an amazing brilliant invention that should be revered. Thanks all. I am at ajblakey79@gmail.com if anyone has questions.andreahttps://www.blogger.com/profile/01796534340506129541noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3357194424905253251.post-35582392312458178532012-01-13T20:22:09.892-08:002012-01-13T20:22:09.892-08:00Week 4 down after H.T.O and A.C.I surgery...
Dr. M...Week 4 down after H.T.O and A.C.I surgery...<br />Dr. McCarty (Minnesota Twins Dr) did surgery... I was PAIN FREE from day one--wish I could post what MY knee looks like<br />Drop me a line with ANY questions, or leave me your number and I can call.<br />charlie.flyski@gmail.comCharliehttps://www.blogger.com/profile/14041326206491122348noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3357194424905253251.post-3069705978984715852011-11-11T15:06:59.751-08:002011-11-11T15:06:59.751-08:00Hi Eric. I've blocked out those first few day...Hi Eric. I've blocked out those first few days. Pretty miserable time. I feel for you. It's been almost 3 years since my surgery, so perhaps the rehab protocol has changed. I'm sure each doc has his own protocol, too. I remember reviewing the guidelines from Carticel, Dr. Minas (he's the premier ACI surgeon, based outta Boston), as well as random others. Rehab also depends on the location of the defect; mine was a double - patella and trochlear groove, probably the "worst" spot. <br /><br />Happy to talk further with you. Email your phone number to jimetri@gmail.com<br />In the meantime, hope the blog provides some insight and a few laughs. And yes, there's a light at the end of the tunnel. It may be far away, but, trust me, it's there.<br /><br />JimJimhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/07440820306344885545noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3357194424905253251.post-11856011118365330882011-11-11T08:20:38.828-08:002011-11-11T08:20:38.828-08:00I had my ACI surgery on Nov. 8, so I am 3 days in....I had my ACI surgery on Nov. 8, so I am 3 days in. You are right about the pain increase a few days in. How long does this last before it starts getting better? The cold therapy seems to help the most. I went to dr. Shwartz in Plano, Texas. Getting a bit dizzy trying to type. I'd love talk to yo in more detail about it sometime and your blog is very helpful although they seem to be rushing me along faster. I've already had to goto pt on day 2 and am at 80 degrees on the cpm already. Might be why I'm experiencing some considerable pain.<br /><br />Thanks,<br />Ericerichttps://www.blogger.com/profile/07986919818667666383noreply@blogger.com